Scranton, PA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 438, Article II defines an abandoned vehicle broadly: one left inoperable on a highway or public property for more than 48 hours, one without a valid registration plate, inspection sticker or ascertainable VIN left unattended that long, or one sitting on private property without the owner's consent for more than 48 hours. Section 438-2(A) makes abandonment itself a summary offense, with penalties that escalate by offense count: $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second, $300 for a third, $400 for a fourth, and $500 for every offense after that.

2, a summary offense carrying $100 to $500 for a first offense and a third-degree misdemeanor for a repeat. Once a vehicle qualifies as abandoned, § 438-3 lets any police officer have it towed to a salvor or warehouseman's place of business. Before removal, § 438-4 requires certified-mail notice to the last registered owner giving five days to move the vehicle, plus a chance to explain to police why it should stay before an additional 48-hour grace period runs. If nobody reclaims a towed vehicle, PennDOT can authorize its disposal 30 days after notice under § 438-8, and a vehicle with value is sold at public auction, with a title cleared of prior liens under § 438-9, while a valueless vehicle is junked under § 438-10 after the salvor reports it to PennDOT.